Why this course?

This course is for students who have gained previous credits at masters level from a postgraduate teaching diploma or equivalent and who wish to ‘top up’ their awards to a full masters qualification.

The course is flexible in that it offers you the opportunity to study either face to face or online through the modules chosen, and it enables you to engage in your own research through the production of a 15,000 word dissertation.

This course gives you an ideal opportunity to upgrade your Masters qualifications into a recognised and respected award.

What you’ll study

In your first year you'll study our module Research Methods and Reasoning. This will introduce you to research methods and equip you to be able to undertake your dissertation in year two.

You'll also study an optional module from our catalogue. This can be in a variety of areas such as inclusion, early career development or literacy.

For those students who have more than 80 M’ level credits, some further reductions in study can be made.

Major projects

In year two of the course you'll undertake a major dissertation in an area negotiated between yourself and University staff.

You'll engage in research, either desk based or empirical, and you'll produce a report approximately 15,000 words in length. Throughout the research you'll be supported by your own dissertation supervisor who will support and guide you through the process.

This module is intended for early career teachers (within their first 5 years of teaching). It enables them to build upon the education they received during their PGDE and their early career experiences.

The Donaldson report recommends that teachers in Scotland should have a Masters account which enables them to build up Masters credits over the course of their teaching career.

This module forms a bridge between academic study during the PGDE year and early career activities.

This module aims to strengthen the Early Years teachers’ and practitioners’ investigations of theory through practice in order to support evidence-based changes to their pedagogies and analyse this in a supportive environment.

This class is designed to help teachers understand the principles of sustainable development, global citizenship and learning in the outdoors.

The course will reflect on the links to the GTCS standards and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Learning & teaching

All modules make use of our virtual learning environment (VLE). In addition, the face-to-face modules are delivered by lectures and seminars. Our online modules are taught solely through the VLE.

Some of the modules make use of guest lectures. These will be indicated throughout your time with us.

Assessment

Assessment differs from module to module but is always in the form of continuous assessment. There are no summative examinations.

Entry requirements

An undergraduate degree and credits at Level 11 of the SCQF framework from a recognised postgraduate or professional graduate teaching qualification.

Fees & funding

2018/19

Scotland/EU

£695 per 20 credit module

Rest of UK

£695 per 20 credit module

How can I fund my course?

Scottish and non-UK EU postgraduate students

Scottish and non-UK EU postgraduate students starting in 2017 may be able to apply for support from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). The support is in the form of a tuition fee loan and for eligible students a living cost loan. Find out more about the support and how to apply.

Students coming from England

Students ordinarily resident in England can apply for Postgraduate support from Student Finance England. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

Students coming from Wales

Postgraduate students starting in 2017 who are ordinarily resident in Wales can apply for support from Student Finance Wales. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. We are waiting on further information being released about this support and how to apply.

Students coming from Northern Ireland

Postgraduate students starting in 2017 who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland can apply for support from Student Finance NI. The support is a tuition fee loan of up to £5,500. We are waiting on further information being released about this support and how to apply.

Please note

Careers

This masters qualification enhances your standing in the professional community. Utilising the experiences you had whilst undertaking your postgraduate teacher education and you now have in the classroom, you can extend your knowledge and abilities in the area of professional practice.

This places you in a better position to move forward in your career in education, and to develop sound pedagogies that enhance your work.